THE HISTORY OF FOOTWEAR UP TO TODAY

THE HISTORY OF FOOTWEAR UP TO TODAY:

 

People find it very difficult to imagine how life was back then when shoes were yet to be discovered. Therefore, things started to change when humankind saw a need to protect them from the outside phenomenal. However, the quality and the features of the footwear have, for many years now remained unchanged.

 

Although there are minimal changes that have been seen in the history of shoes, the color, material, and the design of the shoes were the most viewed changes. Seemingly, the human need for footwear turned to a quickly growing industry in the present world in which the design of shoes was as important as functionality.

 

Additionally, during different eras of the world, there were different views in almost everything. Generally, there was a different understanding of the economic and political factors, culture, and art, which played an essential role in the shapes, materials, and designs that were used to produce footwear in people's wardrobe.

 

The discovery of new technology, the capture of new land, and the different understanding of people impacted the world's fashion and style of footwear. The tendency, history, and changes in the fashion of shoe can be divided into five categories of world history;

 

• Prehistory (2.5 million BC -1250 BC)

• Antiquity (1250 BC – 476)

• The Middle Age (476 -1453)

• Early Modern Times (1453-1918)

• Modern Times (1918-to date)

During the prehistoric period, the primitive kind of footwear was changed when humankind decided to introduce sandals, which so fast in popularity during the Antiquity period. However, it was as a result of the formation of the social classes. Furthermore, the first heel and footwear structures were discovered in the Middle Ages, and they were widely used because of their popularity.

 

In early modern times, footwear was very similar to both males and females. However, the design of the footwear in this era varied depending on humankind's social classes. This was as a result of the feudalism, which led to the division of the society into different classes.

 

It was concluded that they would be wearing different clothes and footwear. The classes were divided into the nobles, peasants, and the non-nobles. The peasants and non-noble were under low class wore heavy dark leather boots with a heel. Meanwhile, the nobles wore fancy footwear, which often had a wooden heel.

 

Moreover, in modern times, everything started to change due to the opportunity of new technology, and this made the manufacture and production of shoes much simpler and more manageable. This is the period when the understanding of fashion altered the traditional methods of shoemaking.

 

In 1845, there was an invention of the rolling machine, and the sewing machines which came later really changed the shoe industry. Moreover, by 1860, there was a significant change in the sector of shoe production as more machines were developed that made the whole process very easy and faster. Similarly, materials like rubber came to limelight after it was developed by Charles Goodyear junior in 18875. This was a very magnificent breakthrough to the shoemaking industries.

 

In the present day, despite the shoes being made by the use of machines, they also need to be assembled manually. However, the ancient type of shoes cannot be compared by modern ones. This is to say that most fancy fashionable shoes are prone to causing health problems, unlike the ancient type. Moreover, most of the contemporary boots are made with a lot of comfort in them, and the shoemakers forget to consider its function, thus ending up affecting many who pit them on.

 

The First Footwear Fossils

 

The first footwear was traced on archaeological digs 4000 years ago and was later examined keenly by the experts. However, it was determined that footwear was not to be worn by everyone. Therefore, the selected few who were also the wealthiest in the society were able to pay for their shoes. However, it was proven that different shoes were worn depending on the climate or if the material used to make shoes were in that region.

 

For many years, the humankind’s foot was either bare or covered, but with very simple and alarming kind of footwear just to protect their feet. The more they needed to protect their feet, they struggled to get the best solution for their desirable need. However, as the time went by, humankind discovered sandals which they used during warmer environments. And later came up with moccasins, this was used during coder climate to add warmth to their feet.

 

Besides, this method of covering feet was very adequate to them because the footwear not only protected them from climate changes but also from sharp rocks that could probably injure them when they were hunting. You can proudly agree that the ancient simple moccasins and sandals are used to date, and they are also commonly worn footwear globally.

 

Generally, people from the northern region made their footwear from thick leather and later warmed them up with hay and fur. Similarly, their counterparts from the southern part mostly used sandals that were made from papyrus fiber or palm leaves. Moreover, these people decided to make shoes because of the climate change that was experienced in different regions. The shoes were also made to protect them from natural effects in their phenomenal.

 

Furthermore, during the period of migration and the crusades of European matching to the east, the changes were made to perfect footwear designs. Most of Europeans in this period wore pointed shoes while others were wearing the Egyptian sandals. However, as the years went by, humankind discovered heels with the western fashion of footwear beginning to develop in various regions. But in the religious and spiritual world of the middle age, the shoes were worn depending on where you belong to social class.

 

The footwear that was dug by the archaeologists was of different varieties, the sandal which was actually made from leather, with no soles between the uppers and the lower region. There were also shoes that looked precisely like leather footbags, but it also seemed very different from our modern shoes. Being made from leather material, they were very strong and long-lasting. The shoes were also waterproof, thus prevented water from reaching their feet. This prevented them from fungal and bacterial infections.

 

The countries where there were strongest seaports of European like Spain and Italy are the places where the most popular and unique pair of shoes flourished. Moreover, in these places, the merchant and the craftsmen's shop developed rapidly, hence forming the first financial centers. With this entire site, it was evident that these countries were indeed the cradle of footwear, which made many people want to try out shoes in order to protect themselves against the ever-changing climate and natural effects.

 

Additionally, it was evident that shoes were made straight with the right and the left shoes being identical. In the mid-1880s, footwear was produced by the use of hammers and lapstone, and this took place in Egypt in the 14th century.

 

However, to ensure that the business of making footwear continued, the shoemakers chose to keep the measurement of every individual who received their services. History actually repeats itself, for it is evident that by maintaining the measures, it helps the shoemakers to produce shoes of different sizes, and this is because one size of footwear cannot fit more than two people.

 

Early European Essentials

 

To begin with, most of the footwear that archaeologists found was evidently not used by the Europeans until it was later proven so. The shoe was believed to have been found thousands of years immediately after the middle Paleolithic period. However, despite the year differences, the method which was used to make the two types of footwear was very similar to each other.

 

Generally, the good thing was that the users were to be worn by the whole population. However, if you were considered to be poor, that meant that you could not afford to have this type of footwear; therefore, you would create other forms of shoes that matched your class.

 

However rich you were, it really did not determine what you would footwear though, style, or material your shoes were made from, and people were all the same when it came to footwear. That meant that the footwear was not only limited to the wealthiest but also to the needy individuals.

 

However, in most cases, footwear was almost similar to males and females as men were fond of wearing shoes with heels. It was also believed that when you belonged to the common folk of the society, you would wear massive leather heels that were black while those who came from the aristocratic society, their footwear, were made from wood.

 

The spirit of ethnicity as something that dominated in the ancient period, and for some reason, it is still practiced in the present world. For example, you can find an ordinary individual with one pair of shoes while the other party has multiple. This clearly shows that your wealth will always describe who you are, from your footwear up to your clothes.

 

World War Shoes

 

World wars were the most substantial part of a change in the history of the female shoes, especially world war two. However, the shift in male's footwear was very minimal. It is also in this period that female's footwear was refurbished for more exceptional support. The shoes were also given a different look in order to catch the attention of the feet, shape of the calf ankle, with its heels narrowing.

 

In general, when women were involved in the footwear workshop, there was actually a need for the shoes to change once again. However, they were to make a change at this time, but a functional one though the shoes were to be smarts from its exterior looks. The most commonly worn shoes by females in the office became the platform very fast. This type of footwear remained to be famous for many years until the mid-1980s where it was replaced with other new types of shoes.

 

On the other hand, men decided to turn to the oxford type of footwear. During the depression period, and after World War II, they experienced a very little change on their side, as loafer became very popular in shoes for the gents. Men also started accepted Doc Martin, which made it to grow in popularity.

 

Gender Neutral Footwear

 

For the longest time of footwear history, it was evident that the commonly worn shoes were the heeled ones. It was a type of footwear that was worn with both men and women, not for the aesthetics but was worn for function. The sewers back then were used to be hidden from sights and away from the limelight. All this was because of the household wastes that were carelessly thrown around the streets. The streets were in a total mess where on could not dare walk with barefoot in fear of getting affected with bacterial diseases.

 

To many people, both male and female heeled footwear was very vital to their life. This was because the shoes kept them from stepping on the sewage barefooted. For many years now, people have learned to produce shoes of different styles, but the main point has always been to protect your foot. Shoes have not only proven to be a good protector of the shoes, but it has also acted as a way of showing beauty as it many people tend to look attractive when they have beautiful shoes on. It is no lie that shoes have been incredibly functional.

 

Moreover, high-heeled shoes are one of the most footwear that is used by the butchers. This type of shoe helps them to keep out of offcuts, offal, and other body parts from getting into contact with their feet. Heels are mostly worn in a place where speed is mandatory. So wearing a heel should not be taken as a joke both in men and women, shoes to protect your body from dangers that are if you love yourself.

 

Separate Shoes

 

To start with, for many decades, men and women have been wearing similar shoes. However, it is recently that that formation has taken another perspective where male shoes have taken a different shape from that of women. You can clearly notice that there is a change that is taking place. The shoes that have been made are of look that very different from the ancient ones, where shoes used to be similar.

 

To be precise, the people who came after the 18th century are the first to experience changes in gender-specific footwear and other changes such as color, shape, size, and style of the shoes. It until the 19th century that the shoes are made with the sole separated from the shoe uppers or produced from a different material. Despite the shoes being taken as a functional addition to your clothing, it has, however, been considered as a significant wear in this era.

 

In the ancient period, most of the heels were basically made from the woods so that the footwear can last for a long period. Woods were considered as one of the most incredible materials used in the creation of shoes. It was also the primary material during that era, as it was readily available. The clothing type, therefore, depended on the kind of footwear that was to be worn. Before attending any occasion, your shoe was budgeted, and your dressing choice would depict your social standing. This was mostly practiced with those people from the liberal society who never had difficulties in acquiring footwear.

 

Besides, this was the period when boots in the history of footwear became very popular as it was worn by most of the people in that era. Many of them, if not all, were made from leather. Therefore, the enclosed leather would give protection to the ankle and the foot to anyone who was able to afford them. It was also perfect to be worn on wet weather, traveling, or going for short walks.

 

Basically, it is in this that the heels of a man were reduced, though it looks fascinating. The main aim of reducing the height of the heels the man's shoe and setting it at one inch was to give him humble time when putting on his trouser. Because most of the time, he found it challenging to pick on trouser that matched the heels.

 

Learning Left from Right

 

It is typically true that shoes have not been as comfortable as many would have wanted most of the time. The fact that most of the shoe soles in decades ago were made from wood, despite the fact that they were lasting materials to be used, they were not that comfortable to humankind's foot. However, comfort is something that the ancient shoemakers never took into consideration until in the 20th century. This is the time that comfort found a meaning in the field of shoemaking.

 

Seemingly, this was the period that the shoemakers saw the importance of comfort in a shoe. They did not only thought about the material that they used to create shoes but also tried to increase the volume of comfort in them. Moreover, they also decided to produce different right and left-footed shoes.

 

In the middle stone age, the shoemakers did not consider the shape of someone’s foot, so they created footwear according to their own understanding. However, it is until this era that the shoemakers started making shoes straight; thus, your feet will be able to fit in the shoes no matter what shape it may have. But to some, it was not that comfortable as the shoes could not curve to the shape of their feet.

 

The Shoe Structure

 

The structure of the shoes, in most cases, depends on how its maker wants it to appear and the material they would like to use. With the seemingly endless design of the shoes, they all end up having one basic structure, that is the upper and the lower structure of the shoes. However, most of the shoe parts tend to have more than the name but do not contain all parts.

 

The Upper

 

This is the remainder of the shoes that is above the innersole and the insert. Its main function is to hold the lower part of the shoes onto the foot. There is a strip of a material called welt; it connects the upper to the lower. Most of the shoes in the industry are welted by Goodyear-welt construction, but some are decorated.

 

Leather is the most functional material used to make the upper face of the shoes. Besides confirming the shape and the size of the shoes, it also allows hot air to reach your feet, thus keeping them warm. However, the uppers made from cotton are more comfortable as long as the shoes are relatively good. Typically, shoes made from synthetic fiber will always act as a waterproof; however, they do not give your feet the comfort they deserve.

 

Moreover, the upper also comprises of several other parts of the shoes depending on its design, and they include laces and the tongue that safeguards the top part of the foot. Shanks are used to adding support for the shoes if there is a heel that raises the back of your foot higher. It is made from plastics, metal, or wood hence supporting the spaces on the bottom of your shoes between the toe and the heel that keeps it from collapsing.

 

The lower

 

It is the part of the shoes that is called the sole, and it contacts the ground directly. The sole can be made from either leather, synthetic material, or the rubber; however, a combination of materials can be used to produce a sturdy sole. The sole is also made with threads which are meant for producing traction and resist slipping. The outer sole is attached to the innersole, and they are also made with chemicals that prevent you from getting infected by bacteria.

 

The insert is a part of a layer that can be attached to the sole, and it provides support by holding the parts of the foot. The insert also adds more cushioning to the shoes; however, it takes more part of the shoes. They are made from soft and hard synthetic fiber, but leather can also be used to do the same is it is considered to be the best material in the formation of the inserts.

 

Most of the shoes are made by the use of a last which is considered to be a general model of the foot; however, the ancient lasts were made from woods that are different from the modern ones which are made from metals or plastics. The work of the last is to provide a structure by which the shoe is made. Generally, there are two types of feet per the manufacturers' knowledge; therefore, they have two forms of lasts, which are curved and straight.

 

The Shoe Styles

 

According to the history of shoes, there are eight different styles of shoes, which also have a variety of combined styles. Below are some of the shoe styles;

Lace-ups: - they are mostly traditional shoes, such as the oxford, and they are, in many cases, used as casual wears, formal or dress. They are made with laces for a better fit or to keep the feet in contact. The shoelaces are made of different types; however, they tend to much the structure or design of the shoes in order to bring out complicity.

 

Boots: - there are types of shoes that go above the ankle when worn; therefore, they can be dress or casual. They are mostly made from leather, which is referred to as the best material for making footwear because of its durability. Most people go for boots because they are better when it comes to preventing cold due to their height.

 

Monks: - they are considered to be similar to the lace-up style though they do not use laces; instead, they have a strap that runs over the top of the shoes to make them fit. This style can either be casual or dress, but some sport shoes are made of this style. The monk type of technique is mostly used because you are likely not to spend most of your time tying the laces. They are thus an advantage to many shoe lovers.

 

Moccasins: - these are perhaps the first shoes to have ever existed according to the history of shoes. They were made along with the sandals in the ancient times. The main reason for its existence was to protect humankind from natural effects. The name moccasins come from the Algonquians of North America, and it originated from Norway. However, they are popularly used as loafers in the present day. They are mostly casual, but they can similarly be dressy.

 

Mules: - these are backless shoes made without or with heels. The known versions of mules are slippers. They are usually casual but very formal. They are the commonly used footwear since they are free and comfortable for your feet as they keep your feet warm most of the time.

 

Clogs: - these styles of shoes are mostly made from thick wooden or cork sole and backless. However, the pieces of evidence indicate that this style originated from Europe in the 13th century. They are mostly casual but can also be a dress.

 

Pumps: - they are considered to be traditional elegant high-heeled shoes that are open front top. They are often made with long spiked heels. They mostly dress but can be casual sometimes. Women of the noble family mainly wore these types of shoes in the ancient.

 

Sandals: - some of the sandals are made with heels, but most of them are flat. However, they can also be made with thongs or ones with fancy lacing that are used for lacing up the legs. Wooden sandals originated from Japan, and they can either be dress or casual.

 

The 21st Century Shoe and You

 

You can proudly say that you have the best shoes that are also incredible, thanks to Freaky Shoes freakyshoes.com, who have ensured that you have your desired footwear. They have made sure that you have any type of shoes depending on the occasion; they have every size, color, and design, which will totally match your expectation.

 

However, many people do not care about the function and comfort of the shoes; they are somewhat interested in the shoes' appearance and how it will match their outfit. Popular designers of shoes have also made sure that people wear shoes according to fashion. Shoes have not only become the central part of your outfit but also a center of attraction. For some, perhaps more of the boys now tend to be very smart in shoes as their immediate counterparts, the girls.

 

Footwear Future

 

It is evident that people are moving towards a new era of footwear because of the decrease in the comfort of shoes. It will also be useful as shoes will be able to make a stamen according to how they appear. However, for you to look good, you will just need to match your footwear with your outfit, you can imagine how magnificent your look will be. Wearing different pairs of shoes on different occasions will be the slogan that many people will want to fit in, no matter what.

 

Bottom Line

 

History has always remained the same despite the change of time. The good thing being many people can now afford to have a pair of footwear because of the modern machinery and synthesized materials. However, the shoes still influence our feet in any single factor despite our understanding of biomechanics. Generally, it will be essential if you accept that shoes are the cause of foot problems by almost 60 percent. This can only be corrected if people use the correct material in making footwear.

 

 

However, if you would wish to know more about the history of shoes, visit Freaky Shoes freakyshoes.com form information on the same.